Court rejects appeal by workers selling liquor in Abu Dhabi

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Court rejects appeal by workers selling liquor in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - The men challenged the ruling to UAE's top court claiming that they were wrongly convicted

by

Ismail Sebugwaawo

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Published: Thu 11 Jan 2018, 12:54 PM

Last updated: Fri 12 Jan 2018, 10:02 PM

Two workers who were convicted for the illegal sale of alcohol and drinking liquor in a public place have had the appeal against their six-month-jail sentences rejected by UAE's top court.
The Federal Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi has upheld earlier rulings by lower courts that found the Asian men guilty of consuming liquor and unlawful sale of alcohol.
Official court documents stated that the men were arrested after investigations suggested that they were illegally selling liquor to workers near their accommodations in one of the northern emirates.
Prosecutors said the defendants were buying the alcohol from certain suppliers and sold them to workers without licenses.
Police also found out that the men were also consuming liquor which is not allowed under UAE laws unless you have obtained a license from the concerned authorities.
During police interviews, the men admitted to possessing the liquor for own consumption.
Prosecutors had charged the men with illegal sale and possession of alcohol and consuming liquor.
The Criminal Court of First Instance had sentenced the pair to two years in jail and ordered for their deportation after serving their jail sentences.
They went to the appeal court which reduced the jail sentences to six months.
The men challenged the ruling to UAE's top court claiming that they were wrongly convicted and denying the charges.
The told the judge that they didn't get a fair hearing because all court sessions were in Arabic language and that they were not assigned translators.
The Supreme Court judge however rejected their claims and maintained the Appeal Court sentences based on their earlier confession and evidence presented by prosecutors.
The men will be deported after serving their jail sentences.
- ismail@khaleejtimes.com


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